Question 1

what is the difference between autoimmune diseases and arthritis?

Accepted Answer

Systemic, Local: Autoimmune arthritis diseases can include inflammation of the joints , connective and soft tissues as well as involvement any part of the body.
 Osteoarthritis, is caused by degeneration of the joints and localized to certain part of the body.
The from arthritis is gradual have to do with activity, the other the onset could be sudden and involve many areas of the body.

Question 2

what is the difference between "automune hepititis" & regular hepitis c? i was diagnosis with autoimmune disease 18 yrs ago & hepititis c geno type 1. thanks

Accepted Answer

Newer labs better: Twenty years ago, the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis may have been made on an anti-smooth-muscle antibody and perhaps biopsy picture actually reflecting hepatitis c rather than primary autoimmune liver disease. Our labs are better today and i'd accept the current diagnosis if in fact you have only one illness. Have you responded to rx for hepatitis c? Wishing you the best.

Question 3

i understand specific labs are not entirely specific to certain autoimmune diseases, and its based off of labs and symptoms. but can anyone please explain the difference between mixed connective tissue disease vs. other autoimmune diseases?

Accepted Answer

: There is a blood test called antiRNP titer which must exceed a certain high level along with presence of at least 3 out of several clinical features such as Raynauds phenomenon, scarring of of finger tips, hand swelling,inflammatory. muscle  changes on biopsy,inflammation of joint linings for example. Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma wouldn't fulfill enough of these criteria.

Question 4

are autoimmune diseases more common in black people or there's no difference?

Accepted Answer

Some are: There are certain diseases that are more common in black persons than not. The ultimate autoimmune disease - systemic lupus erythematosus - is more commom in blacks than non- black persons but many other autoimmune diseases do not show any racial preferences.

Question 5

give me information about rheumatoid arthritis or another autoimmune disease?

Accepted Answer

Great sources : There are great resources for this information such as the arthritis foundation, the american college of rheumatology, the lupus foundation of america, the national institute of health, etc.

Question 6

what is the latest understanding for the cause of autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis)?

Accepted Answer

Nobody Knows: We are not sure what gets the ball rolling, but autoimmune disease in general is a case of "misprogramming" in which the immune system begins to incorrectly recognize the body's own tissues (joints in the case of ra) as though they were foreign.  It then attacks them as it would any invading substance.  Smoking definitely raises the risk of ra, though we don't know why!

Question 7

what are foods that one should avoid if one has an autoimmune disease such as arthritis, lupus or fibromyalgia?

Accepted Answer

Probably none: While many diets are promoted as therapy, there are no controlled studies to support any benefit.

Question 8

i have health issues diagnosed as reactive arthritis and autoimmune disease. is there a way (any test) to determine if it is a complication because i contracted salmonella several months ago? thanks?

Accepted Answer

: It is the diagnosis itself that is confirming as reactive arthritis has been linked to Salmonella infections. Clarify with your rheumatologist, majority of patients recover in few months following the infection.

Question 9

i had paronychia and my wbcs are really low and im having joint pain of knees n elbows. is this an arthritis or beginning of autoimmune disease?

Accepted Answer

Not enough info: What treatment did you receive for your paronychia? are you on any other medications or supplements?  How low is your WBC?
How long have you had joint pain? ask your question again and clarify, please.

Question 10

do most psoriasis patients only ever have psoriasis or do many develop psoriatic arthritis or other autoimmune diseases?

Accepted Answer

: Perhaps as many as 20% of psoriatics can have psoriatic arthritis. See your dermatologist or rheumatologist should you feel that you are having symptoms of arthritis.

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Doctor answers about:

What is the difference between autoimmune diseases and inflammatory arthritis

A member asked:

What is the difference between autoimmune diseases and arthritis?

A member asked:

What is the difference between "automune hepititis" & regular hepitis c? i was diagnosis with autoimmune disease 18 yrs ago & hepititis c geno type 1. thanks

A member asked:

I understand specific labs are not entirely specific to certain autoimmune diseases, and its based off of labs and symptoms. but can anyone please explain the difference between mixed connective tissue disease vs. other autoimmune diseases?

A member asked:

Are autoimmune diseases more common in black people or there's no difference?

A member asked:

Give me information about rheumatoid arthritis or another autoimmune disease?

A member asked:

What is the latest understanding for the cause of autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis)?

A member asked:

What are foods that one should avoid if one has an autoimmune disease such as arthritis, lupus or fibromyalgia?

A member asked:

I have health issues diagnosed as reactive arthritis and autoimmune disease. is there a way (any test) to determine if it is a complication because i contracted salmonella several months ago? thanks?

A member asked:

I had paronychia and my wbcs are really low and im having joint pain of knees n elbows. is this an arthritis or beginning of autoimmune disease?

A member asked:

Do most psoriasis patients only ever have psoriasis or do many develop psoriatic arthritis or other autoimmune diseases?

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